1. Denotation and Connotation
D=dictionary
The dictionary definition.
C=The additional meaning a word may carry or convey or communicate

2. Is there more to a word than how it is
defined in the dictionary?

3. connotative and denotative
Yes, there is more. In fact, every word has at least two definitions:
connotative and denotative
So, what’s the difference?

4. The denotative definition is based on the________definition of a word.
The connotative definition is the________________________ meaning of a word.
literal
figurative or emotional

5. Connotation
greasy ?
The emotional associations of a word or phrase, as opposed to its exact meaning.
“Greasy” has a denotation meaning slippery but also has a connotation when referring to a “greasy” person.
greasy ?

6. The connotative meanings of a word exist together with the denotative meanings.
The denotation of the word snake is “any of numerous scaly, legless, and sometimes venomous reptiles”
The connotations for the word snake could include evil or danger.

7. Connotation Positive Negative
We bought inexpensive souvenirs at the amusement park.
I ate a moist sandwich.
I am a bargain shopper.
Negative
We bought cheap souvenirs at the amusement park.
I ate a soggy sandwich.
I am a cheapskate.

8. Positive or Negative Connotation
Which One?
Positive or Negative Connotation

9. Positive Connotation
immature
youthful
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10. Positive Connotation
limit
restrict
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11. Positive Connotation
filthy
dirty
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12. Negative Connotation
stingy
thrifty
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13. Negative Connotation
cluttered
messy
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14. Negative Connotation
unusual
weird
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15. Example
The word “gaze” has the following synonyms gape, stare, glare, peer, gloat
Gaze: ________________________________________________
Gape: ________________________________________________
Stare: ________________________________________________
Glare: ________________________________________________
Peer: _________________________________________________
Gloat: ________________________________________________

16. WORDS: fat, obese, plump, large, stout
DENOTATION: being overweight or too heavy for your size.
CONNOTATION:
fat:
a greasy, flesh way, lack of self control
obese:
clinical word, grossly overweight
plump:
pleasantly overweight, a bit round and cute.
large:
heavy, but also have a bigger frame than average; more flattering word than others
stout:
bulky and strong, like a football lineman

17. Let’s use the word HOT The denotation (or dictionary definition – remember d in denotation = dictionary) of HOT is: having a temperature higher than that of a human body.
However, when you say “Man! He/She is hot!”, are you saying “Man! He is having a temperature higher than that of a human body!”? No!!
You are saying the CONNOTATION of HOT – which could mean a variety of things – man he/she is cute, attractive, beautiful, and many other meanings – those come from personal experiences and cultural meanings, etc.

18. Advanced Info
Connotation is extremely significant in poetry, mainly because nuances of words provide shades of meaning.
In poetry, words are chosen purposefully. Connotations are never ignored, but utilized to their full advantage.
Similarly, words are chosen or discarded because of their sound (assonance and alliteration).